There's A "Humans Of Tripoli" Facebook Page That Shows A Different Side To Life In Libya

Amid a simmering civil war, everyday life still goes on, and it's not all bad news.

With conflict raging in the Libyan capital, Emad Gaidi wanted people to see another side of his hometown. So, inspired by the successful Humans of New York model, earlier this year he started his own page: Humans of Tripoli.

"I decided to do so because I wanted to show the other side of Tripoli media isn't covering," Gaidi, 41, told BuzzFeed News via a Facebook message. He wanted to capture the everyday people, places, and experiences in Tripoli, Libya's coastal capital.

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And the cute little kids, of course.

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But Libya is also in the midst of a brutal civil war, with militias battling it out the in the streets of Tripoli, sometimes making it difficult for Gaidi to post for weeks amid the violence and shortages in basics like fuel and electricity.

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Despite the barriers, Gaidi has remained determined to keep the page going. So far, he has been able to capture some very interesting snippets of everyday life and people in Tripoli.

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Gaidi has one major rule for Humans of Tripoli: Don't get political. "The whole situation here affected the quality of life. People are very careful what to say and what not to say."

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"Friends?"

"Coworkers, but we played football together, so yeah, you can say friends."

"What's the best thing you like about him?"

[Man on the right] "He is a good football player."

[Man on the left'] "He has a good sense of style."

In 2011, Libyans rose up against President Muammar Gaddafi, and, backed by NATO forces, ousted the long-time dictator. In the three years since, Libyans have struggled to out the country back together.

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Q: "What advice would you give to a large group of people?" A: "Put aside your differences, love each other."

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Q: "You have British nationality, why are you still here?" A: "I am hoping things will get better here. I hope I wasn't wrong."

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In just a few months, Humans of Tripoli has spread to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. Posts garner hundreds of likes and comments. "Most people like it. It kinda gives them hope," Gaidi said of Humans of Tripoli. "They are tired of all the war news."

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Libyans, Gaidi said, are very active on social media. "Especially facebook! There is a famous saying here that says, Facebook is the actual government of Libya."

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In September, fierce fighting raged again in Tripoli. After a hiatus, on Sept. 17 Gaidi posted this photo of a Libyan-flag inspired hair-do to the page. "Welcome back," commentators cheered.

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There is also a Humans of Benghazi Facebook page making the rounds. The 2011 revolution started in Benghazi, in Libya's east. Now Benghazi has also been rocked by violence between rival militias: This past Friday two Libyan youth activists were killed, as part of a wave of assassinations.

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